Dorene Norris

A MESSAGE FOR YOU

One of the most defining moments in my life happened when a mentor friend shared with me how changing my prayer time could revolutionize my life. I was accustomed to getting in prayer when I rose in the morning. My friend, however, advised me to interrupt prayer routines by creating personal, intimate moments with God and was insistent that I start at 5:00 a.m. instead of my usual 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. I was under the impression that as long as I prayed, and spent my time with the Lord, the specific time did not matter. I knew that consistency and sincerity were essentials for a fruitful prayer life because the Bible confirms in James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.” Needless to say, I was puzzled. Unknowingly, I was about to learn a new dimension of effectual fervent prayer.

From that moment on, God began to unveil a new understanding of intimate moments with Him. He showed me how my usual prayer time did not really express much sacrifice or effort. It was convenient, easy to do, and did not invoke any real change. I soon recognized that I was having my moments with Him just when it was suitable for me. But we do many things when it is suitable for us, such as: set the alarm for work at a comfortable convenience; get gas for our cars; go shopping at our own convenience; have lunch or dinner with an acquaintance; or things as simple as chatting on the phone with a friend. Changing my prayer time to 5:00 a.m. was extreme, and a bit radical for me, and 6:00 a.m. seemed better and more realistic. Yes, I rendered every excuse that would come to mind: (1) I am very limited with words that early in the morning; (2) I’m more of a night owl than an early bird; (3) I will disturb my husband’s rest by getting up that early; and last but not least, (4) I cry when I pray, and I wouldn’t want to wake my family. Yet, I could not rid my mind of one thought, “What if she is right about this change?”

With stirred curiosity, I was determined to try. I began planning for 5:00 a.m. prayer, and asked another friend who usually wakes between 3:00 and 5:00 a.m. to call my cell phone, to insure that I was awake. Then, I prayed to the Lord, “If this sacrifice pleases you, prepare my body and my mind to do this task.” He did. God would wake me before the wake-up call. Amazingly, my eyes would immediately open, but I still struggled with one problem. I was empty, with no words. I told God how much I loved Him, that I really needed Him, and I cried for Him not to leave me! For the first few times, there were still no words, and seemingly no movement of His Spirit upon me. Little did I know, He was making changes on the inside, changes I could’ve never made myself. Soon after, our morning time was reborn, anointed, and revolutionary. Our God is so faithful! Tears well my eyes every time I think about that defining moment. God ministered to my spirit, and shared with me that He loved how I interrupted my sleep just to talk to Him. It was our special time together! My house was not awakened and there was very little activity in the neighborhood at that hour. It became a phenomenal moment of my day. After an hour or so, I would return back to bed for the sweet rest that God has always promised.

How can we love God, and not be willing to make great change for Him? He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. There should be nothing that we won’t do for Him, nor anything allowed to hinder our relationship. If ever there has been a time we need to pray it is Now! Prayer makes us different from all of God’s creatures, and is the highest form of human spiritual activity. God never has to tell the bird to sing or fly, or even the grass and trees to change in the seasons. He express to any of His other creatures to do what is created them to do. The human being is the only creature that can pray. Prayer is too precious to be ignored. Entering God’s presence, giving Him thanks, and presenting our humble requests is an honor. He promised in His Word to hear us and answer. It is worth it! Every sacrifice, every effort, every moment with God is worth it! So, whether early in the morning or over in the night, don’t forget to spend a special moment in time with God!

Scripture Reading:
• II Chronicles 7:13-16 (Solomon spoke of the power of prayer)
• Genesis 20:7 (Abraham prayed for Abimelech)
• Numbers 21:7 (Moses prayed for the people)
• Psalm 136; 107:23-28 (Prayer in times of great joy or distress)
• I Samuel 1:19 & 27 (Hannah prayed to have a child)
• II Kings 6:17-18 (Elisha prayed for his servant)
• Luke 18:1 (Jesus teaches His disciples to pray)
• I Thessalonians 5:17 (Pray without ceasing)



	A MESSAGE FOR YOU One of the most defining moments in my life happened when a mentor friend shared with me how changing my prayer time could revolutionize my life. I was accustomed to getting in prayer when I rose in the morning. My friend, however, advised me to interrupt prayer routines by creating personal, intimate moments with God and was insistent that I start at 5:00 a.m. instead of my usual 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. I was under the impression that as long as I prayed, and spent my time with the Lord, the specific time did not matter. I knew that consistency and sincerity were essentials for a fruitful prayer life because the Bible confirms in James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.” Needless to say, I was puzzled. Unknowingly, I was about to learn a new dimension of effectual fervent prayer. From that moment on, God began to unveil a new understanding of intimate moments with Him. He showed me how my usual prayer time did not really express much sacrifice or effort. It was convenient, easy to do, and did not invoke any real change. I soon recognized that I was having my moments with Him just when it was suitable for me. But we do many things when it is suitable for us, such as: set the alarm for work at a comfortable convenience; get gas for our cars; go shopping at our own convenience; have lunch or dinner with an acquaintance; or things as simple as chatting on the phone with a friend. Changing my prayer time to 5:00 a.m. was extreme, and a bit radical for me, and 6:00 a.m. seemed better and more realistic. Yes, I rendered every excuse that would come to mind: (1) I am very limited with words that early in the morning; (2) I’m more of a night owl than an early bird; (3) I will disturb my husband’s rest by getting up that early; and last but not least, (4) I cry when I pray, and I wouldn’t want to wake my family. Yet, I could not rid my mind of one thought, “What if she is right about this change?” With stirred curiosity, I was determined to try. I began planning for 5:00 a.m. prayer, and asked another friend who usually wakes between 3:00 and 5:00 a.m. to call my cell phone, to insure that I was awake. Then, I prayed to the Lord, “If this sacrifice pleases you, prepare my body and my mind to do this task.” He did. God would wake me before the wake-up call. Amazingly, my eyes would immediately open, but I still struggled with one problem. I was empty, with no words. I told God how much I loved Him, that I really needed Him, and I cried for Him not to leave me! For the first few times, there were still no words, and seemingly no movement of His Spirit upon me. Little did I know, He was making changes on the inside, changes I could’ve never made myself. Soon after, our morning time was reborn, anointed, and revolutionary. Our God is so faithful! Tears well my eyes every time I think about that defining moment. God ministered to my spirit, and shared with me that He loved how I interrupted my sleep just to talk to Him. It was our special time together! My house was not awakened and there was very little activity in the neighborhood at that hour. It became a phenomenal moment of my day. After an hour or so, I would return back to bed for the sweet rest that God has always promised. How can we love God, and not be willing to make great change for Him? He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. There should be nothing that we won’t do for Him, nor anything allowed to hinder our relationship. If ever there has been a time we need to pray it is Now! Prayer makes us different from all of God’s creatures, and is the highest form of human spiritual activity. God never has to tell the bird to sing or fly, or even the grass and trees to change in the seasons. He express to any of His other creatures to do what is created them to do. The human being is the only creature that can pray. Prayer is too precious to be ignored. Entering God’s presence, giving Him thanks, and presenting our humble requests is an honor. He promised in His Word to hear us and answer. It is worth it! Every sacrifice, every effort, every moment with God is worth it! So, whether early in the morning or over in the night, don’t forget to spend a special moment in time with God! Scripture Reading: • II Chronicles 7:13-16 (Solomon spoke of the power of prayer) • Genesis 20:7 (Abraham prayed for Abimelech) • Numbers 21:7 (Moses prayed for the people) • Psalm 136; 107:23-28 (Prayer in times of great joy or distress) • I Samuel 1:19 & 27 (Hannah prayed to have a child) • II Kings 6:17-18 (Elisha prayed for his servant) • Luke 18:1 (Jesus teaches His disciples to pray) • I Thessalonians 5:17 (Pray without ceasing)